Get a puppy

As a first dog, especially if your wife has never had a dog before, I really wouldn't get a rescue dog. They have a past which you don't know about and may be unpredictable to you as a result. Fine for an experienced dog owner - not for a novice.

Also, dogs are pack animals. They are very keen on working out the pack hierarchy and where they stand. An older dog will almost certainly try to compete with your 2 year old to get higher in the pack - even a puppy may do this at some point, but it's a lot easier for a 2 year old to cope with a competitive pup than a competitive older dog! Once the pup has worked out that it is bottom of the pack it will settle down with your children as siblings and they will pay with each other endlessly, which is good for everyone!

Puppies are also unbelievably cute - so your children will love it and not be at all intimidated, and it will appeal to your wife's maternal instincts and she will probably find it easier to love, train and live with than an older dog.

Downside of puppies is that they chew things ... they just do.

Breeds - I'd get a Labrador or a Golden Retriever (or a cross between the two). Those are the two main breed used for guide dogs and the reason is that they have a good mix of intelligence, friendliness and calmness.

Posted By: Old Git, Jan 7, 11:13:29